San Diego Aerospace Museum

The San Diego Aerospace Museum today announced it would be adding a rare Boeing FB-5 fighter to its displays. Museum Vice President for Operations John Bolthouse stated that the aircraft, owned by George Rice of Monroe, Utah, will be on loan to the Museum for one year, with its status beyond that to be determined at a future date. The aircraft was restored by Rice with parts from two other FB-5s, one of which flew off the US Navy?s first aircraft carrier, USS Langley, based in San Diego in the 1920s. It is one of only two restored FB-5s remaining in the world. The other is at the National Air & Space Museum?s Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia.

Bolthouse said that this aircraft “fills a significant gap in our collection. Until now, the Museum did not have an aircraft representing the US Navy between the world wars.” Bolthouse added, “To be able to fill that niche with an aircraft holding a direct connection to San Diego?s rich aviation heritage is an incredible opportunity for the Museum and the citizens of our city.

The Museum can not extend its appreciation enough to Rice.” The FB-5 is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday and will be assembled in place in the Museum?s South Concourse.